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enStrootman ban for derby 'simulation' overturnedRoma will have Kevin Strootman available for their crunch Serie A clashes with AC Milan and Juventus after a two-match ban was overturned.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/strootman-ban-derby-simulation-overturned
Kevin Strootman has seen a two-match ban for his part in the brawl in last weekend's Rome derby overturned on appeal, making him available to face AC Milan and Serie A leaders Juventus.
Roma midfielder Strootman opened the scoring in Sunday's 2-0 win over arch-rivals Lazio, before crossing the advertising hoardings and running track to celebrate with fans.
On his way back to formation, Strootman threw water in the face of Lazio substitute Danilo Cataldi, who reacted angrily and yanked the back of the Dutchman's shirt, prompting Strootman to hit the turf and sparking a shoving match between the two sides.
Once passions had calmed, Cataldi was shown a red card and Strootman was booked.
However, upon reviewing the incident, Strootman was adjudged guilty of simulation as he fell to the floor and was given a two-match ban.
Roma general manager Mauro Baldissoni said of the incident as the appeal was lodged: "Strootman fell to the floor because he was pulled from behind and was afraid there might be a blow coming. He was back to his feet a second later and moved away from the scene. He certainly didn't simulate anything."
OFFICIAL Kevin Strootman's appeal against his two-game ban has been upheld.
The Dutchman will be available to face AC Milan and Juventus. pic.twitter.com/AVSpIF7z3a
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) December 9, 2016
With the footage once again pored over, however, this decision has been reversed, meaning Strootman will be available for huge upcoming matches with Milan and Juve.
Roma sit second in Serie A, level on points with the Rossoneri and four behind five-time defending champions Juve.
news_articleFri, 09 Dec 2016 16:20:39 +0000Anonymous661576 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comMeet Giovanni Simeone: Genoa's Juventus-slaying striker who wants to join his dad at Atletico MadridAdam Digby provides the lowdown on an emerging Argentine talent with a famous fatherAdam Digbyhttp://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/meet-giovanni-simeone-genoas-juventus-slaying-striker-who-wants-join-his-dad-atletico
The 60-second story
'EMOCIONANTE'. Diego Simeone tweeted just one word – Spanish for “exciting” – all in capital letters, alongside two pictures of men celebrating goals against Juventus. The first was from April 2000 and showed himself racing away at the Stadio delle Alpi, his header having given Lazio a vital three points against the Bianconeri on the way to the Serie A title.
Below was a picture showing his son Giovanni in an almost identical pose, the youngster's own strike having put Genoa ahead against the reigning champions earlier that day. The youngster rifled home a low shot at the second attempt, showing great composure after Gigi Buffon had denied his first effort with a superb save.
Unlike his father, however, the 21-year-old is a striker rather than a tenacious midfielder. So just 10 minutes after opening the scoring he took another chance, this time glancing home a header at the near post in clinical fashion. As much as Diego clearly enjoyed watching his son make a decisive contribution in such a high-profile fixture, the Atletico Madrid boss would also have admired Genoa’s overall performance, which featured relentless pressing and swift counter-attacks.
EMOCIONANTE pic.twitter.com/7Jcz3WW9ar
— Diego Pablo Simeone (@Simeone) November 27, 2016
"I'm happy he’s in Italy," Diego told LaGazzetta dello Sport shortly after Giovanni moved to Genoa in the summer. "He can learn and improve there. It's not easy, but he has the necessary qualities… and good blood in his veins!”
Why you need to know him
The 21-year-old had already made quite an impression having risen through the youth ranks at River Plate and shining during a loan spell at Banfield, where he scored 12 goals in 29 appearances. In 2015 he was also the South American Youth Championship's top scorer with nine net-ripplers which helped Argentina claim the title.
Together those exploits prompted Genoa to hand over €3 million over a year later, in the hope that the forward could provide cover for star man Leonardo Pavoletti as the campaign progressed. Simeone scored twice in some brief early outings, which convinced manager Ivan Juric to field him in place of Pavoletti when the latter was struck down by injury.
The Grifoneboss hasbeen rewarded with some excellent displays, the best of which came against Serie A champions Juventus. His secret appears to be genetic. "His father was a tough guy and I took several elbows off him," former Italy international Alessandro Costacurta remarked on Sky Italia this week. "And I can see that Giovanni is clearly Diego's son by his character."
Strengths
Simeone's most notable asset is his speed –an essential trait in Juric’s system. The striker has shown both excellent acceleration and timing despite his limited opportunities, while also demonstrating a clinical edge in front of goal –he's scored five times and hit the target with an impressive 62 per cent of his attempts so far.
Unsurprisingly, he also has a solid work ethic and a diligent approach whenever his side lose the ball, averaging one tackle and 0.4 interceptions per game despite being deployed exclusively as a central striker.
Weaknesses
While he looks like a solid all-round player, there are various aspects of Simeone’s game that still require work. The Genoa frontman possesses sound technique and skill, but he often finds himself trying to beat one more defender than is necessary, which explains his meagre 27 per cent take-on success rate.
The same is true of his distribution: Simeone averages just 9.3 passes per game, with a third of his efforts failing to find a team-mate. He has created just one scoring chance for his team-mates in 12 appearances to date, despite the fact that Genoa require him to bring others into play up front.
They said...
While a promising young striker and a long-retired midfielder would appear to have little in common, Giovanni has been forced to live with people measuring him against the standards Diego set during his playing days. "He has his father’s hunger and will to win," his team-mate Nicolas Burdisso said recently –but Genoa's coach Juric wants people to stop comparing the two men.
“Simeone is a good player in the area, but with a lot of room for improvement out of it. He runs a lot and we are happy with him,” Juric commented during a post-match interview last month. “However, I would prefer it if people talked more about him and not his father. I don’t think it is an easy comparison for the boy.”
Did you know?
Simeone is proud to represent Argentina at international level despite being born in Madrid and having spent much of his life in Europe, with the family relocating every time Diego swapped clubs. Less than two years after Giovanni's birth the Simeones moved to Milan, then Rome, before Diego's return to Atleti in 2003.
What happens next?
There has been remarkable interest in Simeone Jr. after his brace against Juve (and, quite likely, because of his surname). In recent days, Napoli have reportedly identified him as the man to ease their striking woes following the departure of Gonzalo Higuain and injury to Arkadiusz Milik.
A raft of Premier League clubs have also been mentioned, but the Grifone may instead choose to sell Pavoletti, creating space for Simeone to continue his impressive start at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. Given Juric’s ability to guide young players he could well benefit from an extended stay at the club, particularly as his development is still far from complete.
Simeone does, though, have his heart set on a return to his birthplace one day. "I would love to play for Atletico," he told Cadena Serthis week. "Not just because of how the club has treated my father but because of how they have treated our whole family. They are a great club, very humble."
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featureFri, 09 Dec 2016 12:30:26 +0000Greg Lea660686 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comDybala delighted with Juventus returnJuventus attacker Paulo Dybala has voiced his delight with his return to action after a six-week spell on the sidelines due to injury.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/dybala-delighted-juventus-return
Paulo Dybala was over the moon with his return from injury in Juventus' 2-0 Champions League win over Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday.
The Argentina international last featured for Juventus in the 1-0 Serie A defeat to AC Milan on October 22 following a spell on the sidelines with a thigh injury.
But Dybala came off the bench for the final 10 minutes of the match against Dinamo and he was delighted to make his long-awaited comeback.
"I could not wait to get back out there," Dybala told the club's official website.
"Training is just not the same as playing a match. I felt ready for it as I have been putting a lot of intensity into my training.
"I might not have 90 minutes in me yet but I am match fit. I had felt no issues in the last few days and I felt none out there on Wednesday either."
Dybala's return gives Massimiliano Allegri more options up front and the 23-year-old is ready to play wherever he is needed.
"I do not know where I will play," he added.
"I just know that I can slot in anywhere in attack: centre forward, second striker or even in the hole.
"I am happy playing anywhere."
news_articleThu, 08 Dec 2016 08:50:53 +0000Anonymous660910 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comAllegri dismisses importance of first-place finishGoals from Gonzalo Higuain and Daniele Rugani were enough to claim top spot for Juventus ahead of Monday's Champions League knockout draw.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/allegri-dismisses-importance-first-place-finish
Massimiliano Allegri dismissed claims that Juventus are in a strong position to progress into the later rounds of the Champions League simply because a 2-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb confirmed top spot in Group H.
Second-half goals from Gonzalo Higuain - his first in 418 minutes of action - and Daniele Rugani sealed the victory and Juventus' progression to the last 16 as group winners.
But Allegri claimed that fate alone determines whether that gives his side an advantage in Monday's draw for the knockout stages.
"It all depends on the ball that gets pulled out from the pot. In any case, sooner or later we’re going to have to face them all," he told Mediaset Premium.
Juventus struggled for rhythm in the first half, before a tactical switch allowed them to take control of the game against Dinamo, who finish the group stage pointless.
"I changed system because we needed an extra man in the middle of the park, as we were a little slow.
"The second half was a little better and Dinamo opened up after the first goal, then dropped off physically and it became easier for us.
"This season we hadn’t yet won a Champions League game on home turf, so this result is certainly positive.
"The diamond midfield allows us to have more players in the middle, but the first-half system was also one that allowed us to win 12 games in Serie A. It’s all about giving the opponent few reference points."
news_articleWed, 07 Dec 2016 22:58:56 +0000Anonymous660705 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comJuventus 2 Dinamo Zagreb 0: Bianconeri top group with easy winJuventus confirmed themselves as Group H winners in Turin on Wednesday with a comfortable 2-0 Champions League win over Dinamo Zagreb.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/juventus-2-dinamo-zagreb-0-bianconeri-top-group-easy-win
Gonzalo Higuain and Daniele Rugani secured top spot in Group H for Juventus as the Bianconeri beat a resolute Dinamo Zagreb 2-0 in the Champions League.
Following a frustrating half in Turin, Juve turned on the style after the restart with Higuain ending his 418-minute goal drought in all competitions and Rugani getting his first European goal.
Higuain, Miralem Pjanic and Mario Mandzukic were all wasteful early on as Dominik Livakovic and the Dinamo defence displayed admirable resistance
Their resolve was finally broken on 52 minutes after Mario Lemina had muscled his way through a group of defenders on the edge of the penalty area, the loose ball dropping for the clinical Higuain.
And with 17 minutes to play the points were clinched as Rugani rose unmarked to head home Pjanic's pinpoint corner from the right.
Victory ensured Juve go into Monday's draw for the knockout stages as group winners, while Dinamo finish the stage without a goal or a point.
Deadlock: Broken.@G_Higuain CRASHES home for his 3rd @ChampionsLeague goal of the season! #JuveDZG #FinoAllaFine #ForzaJuve pic.twitter.com/cyRi2nrnqh
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) December 7, 2016
Chances were few and far between in an opening 45 minutes dominated by the hosts, Juve racking up 66 per cent possession.
The opportunities they did manage to create found goalkeeper Livakovic on hand to keep Dinamo level, his first save coming after five minutes to foil a Juve counter-attack.
Mandzukic and Pjanic combined superbly to set up Higuain but the striker's effort was deflected wide by the 21-year-old.
It took Juve until the 32nd minute to pose a further threat and once again Mandzukic was involved, his neat turn created space for a cross that Pjanic headed straight at Livakovic.
Pjanic and Mandzukic both tested the keeper again before the break but neither were able to get the better of the Croatia Under-21 international.
After all their difficulties in the first half it took Juve just seven second-half minutes to break the deadlock, Higuain pouncing on a loose ball following Lemina's run and unleashing a thunderous strike past Livakovic.
With Gianluigi Buffon rested for the first time in 51 matches in the Champions League, Neto deputised for Massimiliano Allegri's side and he was barely troubled.
Instead the action remained at the Dinamo end and Rugani doubled Juve's advantage with a thumping header, the 22-year-old timing his run perfectly to nod home Pjanic's corner.
There was one final boost for Juve before the final whistle as Paulo Dybala made his long-awaited return from a thigh injury, the striker playing the final 10 minutes.
news_articleWed, 07 Dec 2016 21:39:32 +0000Anonymous660675 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comBuffon's 50-game Champions League run comes to an endFor the first time since December 2008, Gianluigi Buffon is not starting a Champions League game for Juventus.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/buffons-50-game-champions-league-run-comes-end
Gianluigi Buffon's impressive 50-game run of Champions League starts for Juventus came to an end on Wednesday after he was only named as a substitute against Dinamo Zagreb.
The Italy number one has been an ever present for the Bianconeri in Europe's elite club competition since missing their 0-0 draw with BATE on December 10, 2008.
Since that stalemate in Turin, the 38-year-old has made 50 successive starts for the two-time champions of Europe.
However, he has been rested by Massimiliano Allegri with Neto taking his place for Juve's final Group H clash.
1 - This is the first #UCL match that @gianluigibuffon has not started for Juventus since 10th December 2008. Rested. (via @OptaPaolo) pic.twitter.com/RCo8KpMtoy
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 7, 2016
news_articleWed, 07 Dec 2016 20:07:46 +0000Anonymous660624 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comDybala ready to return for JuventusPaulo Dybala is likely to make his comeback from injury against Dinamo Zagreb as Juventus look to seal top spot in Champions League Group H.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/dybala-ready-return-juventus
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed Paulo Dybala will make his return from injury in Wednesday's Champions League clash with Dinamo Zagreb.
Forward Dybala has not appeared for his club since the 1-0 defeat away to AC Milan on October 22 due to a thigh injury.
While not ready to play 90 minutes just yet, the 23-year-old will feature at some stage in a game that sees Juve - who are already certain of reaching the knockout stages - aim to secure top spot in Group H.
"Paulo Dybala will definitely feature for either all or at least some of the second half against Dinamo," Allegri told the media.
"He's been training very well, but isn't quite in the ideal condition yet to play a full 90 minutes, so we need to ease him back into action gradually.
"That means Mario Mandzukic and Gonzalo Higuain will be partnering one another in attack again."
Allegri also revealed Alex Sandro and Sami Khedira will be rested for the Dinamo game ahead of Sunday's derby against city rivals Torino.
Juve know that even winning the group will not guarantee them an easier draw in the last 16.
Bayern Munich and Manchester City are certain to finish second in their respective pools, while either Borussia Dortmund or Real Madrid will finish runner-up in Group F.
Yet Claudio Marchisio insists Juve cannot worry about potential opponents in the next round, as they look to win at home for the first time in European competition this season.
"Regardless of who finishes where in the other groups, our primary goal is to make sure that we win well tomorrow and qualify for the last 16 in first place," the midfielder said.
"Once we've done that, we can start thinking about who we might meet next.
"On paper, the most straightforward fixture of our run to the final two years ago was against Monaco, yet the opposite was the case on the field.
"Once you reach the latter stages of this competition you have to expect that the teams you face will be of the highest quality; what matters is not the identity of your opponents but rather your own form and condition."
news_articleTue, 06 Dec 2016 22:03:12 +0000Anonymous660190 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comWitsel casts doubt on January Juventus switchJuventus had been tipped to complete the signing of Axel Witsel in January 2017, but the midfielder is not certain it will go through.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/witsel-casts-doubt-january-juventus-switch
Zenit star Axel Witsel has cast doubt on his chances of joining Juventus in the next transfer window.
Belgium international Witsel had looked poised to join the Serie A champions in August but the move ultimately fell through after Zenit head coach Mircea Lucescu refused to sanction a sale.
Witsel stated last month that he fully expected to move to Turin in 2017, but he has suggested that the five-time Russian champions could veto his departure in January.
"For now, I'm here and I'm playing for Zenit. I don't know if I'll leave the club in January," the 27-year-old told TASS.
"It's not my decision, but Zenit's.
"In the summer I could have gone to Juventus but coach Lucescu didn't authorise the transfer. It wasn't a good feeling but I went back to work as normal once I was back in St. Petersburg."
Witsel has won one Premier League title, one Russian Cup and two Russian Super Cups since joining Zenit from Benfica in 2012.
news_articleTue, 06 Dec 2016 16:45:05 +0000Anonymous660039 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comDortmund eye top spot and a goalscoring record - Champions League in Opta numbersReal Madrid versus Borussia Dortmund is the headline act of the final round of Champions League group games.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/dortmund-eye-top-spot-and-a-goalscoring-record-champions-league-opta-numbers
The group phase of the Champions League concludes on Wednesday and there is plenty on the line for the clubs involved.
As the likes of Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund battle it out for top spot, Tottenham are among the clubs looking to salvage third place and a Europa League berth.
But while Dortmund have their sights set on an enviable goalscoring record, other sides must overturn the weight of history in order to get a much-needed win.
Here are some of the best stats from the concluding fixtures before the knockout stages, courtesy of Opta.
Bayer Leverkusen v Monaco:
5 - Monaco are unbeaten in their five previous competitive encounters with Leverkusen, all in the Champions League (W3 D2).
7 - Leverkusen have not suffered a loss in their last seven Champions League games (W1 D6), marking their longest run without a defeat in the competition.
Tottenham v CSKA Moscow:
3 - In this season's group stage, only three of Tottenham's 58 shots have found the back of the net (five per cent).
1 - CSKA have won only one of their six away games against English opposition in the Champions League (D2 L3), this came in November 2013 versus Manchester City (2-1).
Legia Warsaw v Sporting CP:
0 - Legia failed to register a shot on target against Sporting in their previous encounter last September.
14 - Sporting have lost 14 of their 21 Champions League away games, winning only three and drawing four.
Real Madrid v Borussia Dortmund:
11 - Madrid have won 11 of their last 14 Champions League home games against German clubs (D2 L1), with their only defeat in that run coming against Schalke in March 2015 (4-3).
19 - With 19 goals this season, Dortmund are only one short of equaling the record tally in a Champions League group campaign (Manchester United 1998-99, Barcelona 2011-12, Real Madrid 2013-14).
54% - Only Real Madrid (55.4%) and Sevilla (55.3%) have higher duels success ratio than Besiktas in CL this season (54%). Formidable.
— OptaCan (@OptaCan) December 6, 2016
Club Brugge v Copenhagen:
10 - Brugge have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 10 games at home, with their last shutout dating back to September 2002 against Lokomotiv Moscow (0-0).
1 - Copenhagen have won only one of their 12 away games in the Champions League (D2 L9), that victory coming against Panathinaikos in September 2010 (2-0).
Porto v Leicester City:
11 - In 11 games, no English club have scored more than one goal on their trips to Porto in the Champions League.
1 - Porto have lost only one of their last 11 home games in the Champions League (W7 D3), which was against Dynamo Kiev in November 2015 (2-0). It is also the only time they have failed to score in those 11 games.
Juventus v Dinamo Zagreb:
2 - Juventus have lost only two of their last 37 home games in the Champions League (W22, D13), with Bayern Munich inflicting both of those defeats.
11 - Dinamo Zagreb have lost their last 11 Champions League away games, conceding 38 goals and scoring only three in the process.
Lyon v Sevilla:
2 - Lyon must beat Sevilla by at least two goals to finish second and qualify for the Champions League knockout stages.
6 - Wissam Ben Yedder has scored six goals in 10 competitive games against Lyon, including the only one in their encounter last September (1-0).
news_articleTue, 06 Dec 2016 14:50:43 +0000Anonymous660005 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comPogba hits out at 'distorted' holiday claimPaul Pogba has criticised the media after claiming they twisted remarks he made about his time at Juventus.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/pogba-hits-out-distorted-holiday-claim
Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has hit out at the "distorted" media reports relating to his time at Juventus.
Pogba spent four years in Turin, winning the Serie A title each season, before returning to Old Trafford for a world-record fee in August.
He is reported to have said his departure and subsequent return was "like I went on holiday and just came back. Seriously. Nothing really changed. I'm the same person".
The France international claims his words have been twisted and issued a response hours after United's 1-1 draw at Everton on Sunday.
He wrote on Facebook: "Everything can be distorted.
"A few days ago I was asked how I feel about the CITY of Manchester and not about clubs.
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Everything can be distorted. A few days ago I was asked how I feel about the CITY of Manchester and not about clubs....
Posted by Paul Labile Pogba on Sunday, 4 December 2016
"One of the reasons why I chose to come to Manchester United is because it's where I spent my childhood and it feels like going back home.
"Juventus is the most important club of my professional career so far. On the other hand, I am willing to prove more and working for that here.
"I am very grateful and happy for the love, trust and opportunity Juventus gave me. They played a crucial role in making me the player I am today.
"In Juventus I developed and learned and I will always be thankful for that.
"I do not like or accept that my words are wrongly interpreted so let me be clear:
"Juventus has a special place in my heart, the tifosi [fans], the club and the city. They made me feel at home, always supported me and are fantastic.
"At the same time, Manchester United is my childhood home and the club always had a special place in my heart. I will do my best to be successful here, make my club and fans proud of me and make my dreams come true.
"I am a positive person.
"Negative things are interpretations of negative people who clearly do not know who I am or what I am made of."
news_articleSun, 04 Dec 2016 22:10:59 +0000Anonymous659417 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comMarotta: Best to laugh at Pogba commentsPaul Pogba said he always knew he would return to Manchester United following his world-record transfer from Serie A champions Juventus.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/marotta-best-laugh-pogba-comments
Juventus chief executive Giuseppe Marotta has laughed Paul Pogba's claim that he was "on holiday" from Manchester United during his time in Turin.
Speaking this week, Pogba said he always knew he would return to Old Trafford following his world-record transfer to United from Serie A champions Juve.
Pogba swapped United for Juve in 2012, only to re-join the Premier League giants in August, after winning four successive Scudettos.
"We want to be good-hearted in interpreting what one says," Marotta told Mediaset Premium of the 23-year-old France international.
"I hope his vacation with us was an instructive one. If he managed to wear the Manchester United shirt, it's because Juventus got the best out of him.
"Really, it's best just to laugh…"
Marotta was speaking prior to Juve's 3-1 win at home to Atalanta on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Pogba is set to return from suspension for United's trip to Everton on Sunday.
news_articleSun, 04 Dec 2016 04:07:24 +0000Anonymous659139 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comJuventus 3 Atalanta 1: Alex Sandro stunner helps Allegri's side return to winning waysJuventus put their shock defeat to Genoa behind them as they cruised to a comprehensive 3-1 Serie A win over previously in-form Atalanta.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/juventus-3-atalanta-1-alex-sandro-stunner-helps-allegris-side-return-winning-ways
Alex Sandro's spectacular solo effort set the tone for Juventus as Massimiliano Allegri's side returned to winning ways with a resounding 3-1 victory over Serie A's surprise package, Atalanta.
Injury-hit Juve, who slumped to a surprise 3-1 defeat to Genoa last time out, raced ahead inside 15 minutes at Juventus Stadium, Brazil defender Alex Sandro powering home a shot from the edge of the area – and then dedicating his strike to the players and staff of Chapecoense following the recent plane-crash tragedy in Colombia.
Atalanta's success this term has been built on their solid defence, but Juve wasted no time in exerting their authority when Daniele Rugani's header doubled their advantage.
The hosts threatened to run riot after the interval, though they did not extend their lead until Mario Mandzukic got in on the act after 63 minutes – the Croatian capping-off a superb individual display with a brilliant header, although Remo Freuler did pull one back for Atalanta in the closing stages.
Juve's victory represents a 13th-successive triumph over Atalanta in the league, and moves the champions, temporarily at least, seven points clear of Roma and Milan.
The hosts' sluggish start cost them against Genoa last week, but it appeared Allegri's side had learnt their lessons from that defeat as they dominated the early stages this time.
Gonzalo Higuain was the first to test Atalanta's defence – which had kept four clean sheets from the previous five Serie A fixtures – goalkeeper Marco Sportiello doing well to deny the Argentina striker.
However, Juve did make their dominance count soon enough, Alex Sandro weaving his way in from the left before thumping into the bottom corner from 20 yards for his first goal of the season.
That strike sparked Juve's attack into full flow, and Higuain would almost certainly have doubled their advantage straight from the restart had it not been for a fantastic last-ditch challenge by Mattia Caldara.
Things did get worse for the visitors a few moments later, though, when slack marking allowed Rugani to steal in unmarked and head home Miralem Pjanic's excellent corner.
Pjanic, revelling in a free role behind Higuain and Mandzukic, went close himself as the half-hour mark approached, Sportiello just managing to tip over the playmaker's dipping free-kick.
For all their control, Juve almost found themselves pegged back prior to the interval, but a series of superb blocks from Mandzukic kept them ahead, as he prevented Jasmin Kurtic from heading in before twice covering for Gianluigi Buffon.
Atalanta started the second half brightly, but Andrea Petagna failed to test Buffon from close range in their only meaningful attack.
Juve maintained the pressure, though, and Sportiello was again called into action when Claudio Marchisio tried his luck from 25 yards – Atalanta's shot-stopper getting down sharply to parry the strike wide.
Sportiello could do nothing to deny Mandzukic a deserved goal in the 64th minute, as the former Bayern Munich striker nodded home from another pin-point Pjanic corner.
Atalanta did restore some pride when Freuler slotted in a consolation strike from Marco D'Alessandro's cross, before Mario Lemina hit the post at the other end as the visitors' nine-game unbeaten run in Serie A came to an end.
news_articleSat, 03 Dec 2016 21:52:13 +0000Anonymous659022 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comHiguain does not need Dybala to score - AllegriMassimiliano Allegri believes Paulo Dybala's absence should not be a major problem for Gonzalo Higuain as Juventus prepare to face Atalanta.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/higuain-does-not-need-dybala-score-allegri
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri insists Gonzalo Higuain does not need the support of Paulo Dybala to find the net.
Higuain has scored seven goals in 14 Serie A appearances this term but has struggled to find his best form since Dybala suffered a thigh injury, netting just once in five league outings since.
Dybala is slowly edging closer to a comeback, but he is unlikely to feature against Atalanta on Saturday as Allegri does not want to rush his return.
The Juventus boss sees no reason for concern, though, as he feels Mario Mandzukic is a fine attacking partner for Higuain.
"It will be hard for Dybala to play on Saturday. He could make the squad for the match against Atalanta, but he is more likely to return [against Dinamo Zagreb] on Wednesday," Allegri stated at a news conference.
"Higuain can also score without Dybala.
"Mandzukic and Higuain are in fine shape, they can play together."
Juventus will be looking to return to winning ways versus Atalanta after their 3-1 defeat to Genoa last week, but Allegri has warned a tough game awaits.
"Atalanta are playing well. Credit goes to them and their coach [Gian Piero] Gasperini, but Saturday we must win," he added.
"We have had a full week and trained very hard to make sure there will be no repeat of last weekend.
"Atalanta have very few weaknesses. They are an enthusiastic group with a top coach in Gasperini.
"Serie A is very exciting and competitive this season with very little separating the top seven sides."
news_articleFri, 02 Dec 2016 12:47:21 +0000Anonymous658399 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comYou decide: who's the best goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and striker?Tell us who the best players in each position are in world footballhttp://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/you-decide-whos-best-goalkeeper-defender-midfielder-and-striker
This week, we've been running our annual Best 100 Football Players in the World 2016. If you haven't checked it out yet, you can here.
However, here at FFT HQ, we understand we can't please everyone. In fact, we can't please everyone in-house, let alone all you. So, we thought it would be a good idea to let you speak.
Here's your chance to raise your voice and stand up for what you believe in. Out of the five players available in each category (listen: we had to restrict it), choose the one you think is best. Simples.
If youhonestlybelieve there is someone who is better than all the options available, tweet us @FourFourTwo.
You liked this, so here are more FFT100 features you'll enjoy· The FFT100 rundown
featureFri, 02 Dec 2016 11:21:19 +0000Ben Clark657593 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comThe 8 best goalkeepers in the world in 2016Weve picked out the planets leading shot-stoppers from ourBest 100 Players in the World 2016listGreg Leahttp://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/8-best-goalkeepers-world-2016
Without further ado, here's our selection of the best net-minders in the game…
8. Petr Cech (no. 99 in theFFT Top 100)
Last season, Arsenal's No.1 kept more clean sheets than any other Premier League goalkeeper (16), saved the third-most shots overall and had a higher save percentage than anyone else (76 per cent). Enough said.
7. Keylor Navas (83)
Quick off his line and excellent in one-on-one situations, Navas enjoyed another brilliant year between the sticks for European champions Real Madrid.
6. Hugo Lloris (81)
Tottenham and France may have fallen just short of glory in the Premier League and European Championship in 2016, but neither side would have got so close were it not for Lloris' contributions.
5. Thibaut Courtois (63)
Chelsea and their goalkeeper may have struggled last term, but Courtois remains one of the best around thanks to his shot-stopping skills and cat-like reflexes.
4. Jan Oblak (38)
Atletico Madrid possess one of the meanest defences in the world, with Oblak a key cog in Diego Simeone's machine. Already a superb all-rounder, there's still plenty of time for the 23-year-old to get even better.
3. Gianluigi Buffon (34)
The oldest player in the FFT 100, Buffon shows few signs of slowing down even at 38. 2016 saw the veteran Italian break a Serie A record by going 974 minutes without conceding a goal.
2. David de Gea (31)
De Gea was voted Manchester United's Player of the Year for the third consecutive season at the end of 2015/16. That may say something about the Red Devils' underwhelming campaign, but there's no doubt the Spaniard is among the world's best in his position.
1. Manuel Neuer (10)
Every manager on the planet would want Neuer - who has kept 28 clean sheets for Bayern Munich and Germany so far in 2016 - as his goalkeeper. Still the best.
FourFourTwo’s Best 100 Football Players in the World 2016
featureFri, 02 Dec 2016 10:52:20 +0000Greg Lea658023 at http://www.fourfourtwo.com